Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Happy Birthday Tommy
We miss you very much Uncle Tommy! I know you would be making two birthday cakes today and Benjamin would be a formidable wrestling opponent now. We will celebrate again!! God be with you, til we meet again...
Monday, January 29, 2007
Itchy leg syndrome??
So I started walking with a friend this morning. Our plan is to trade each week (Mon, Wed, Fri), meeting at the other person's house and walking before our husbands leave for work from 6:30-7:15 ish. A little over halfway through, my usual exercising nemesis returned - itchy legs. And no before you think it, its not dry skin - it goes WAY beyond that - its like a slow burning creepy crawly feeling about a quarter of an inch under my skin. If I make any move to rub or itch - it worsens and a vicious cycle of stopping and clawing at myself begins. - I tried to refrain due to having company on my walk and not ever touching my legs seemed to help a bit, but it still drove me crazy. I am posting something I found on someone's else blog. If anyone else has this and has tips I would appreciate it:)
Other Blog:
Anyway, halfway through the walk my legs began to itch. Not just a little bug bite itch, but insane, maddening itching - mostly on the fronts of my upper legs and my butt cheeks. I had to stop every few feet to scratch - I didn't even care that I was drawing blood with my nails - I had to scratch. I couldn't scratch my butt cheeks though my jean shorts so I smacked my butt. I looked crazy, walking down the street, stopping every few feet to bend down and scratch my legs and then spank myself.Worse still, this wasn't the first time this has happened. It happens often when I go walking at a brisk pace for a good amount of time.Well, I decided to look it up on the Internet, not expecting to find anything. I'm not the only one. It's called..... Itchy Leg Syndrome. (Very technical you see.)I found several articles, among them, one from Prevention magazine which states:
Believe it or not, itchy legs is a common complaint, particularly among new walkers. Some experts believe that it may be due to poor circulation. If sluggish blood flow is to blame, the itching should subside as your body gets acclimated to your new activity.Another site explained:
It usually occurs during exercise performed after a long period of inactivity. The itching is not on the skin, it's inside the actual limbs. There are millions of tiny capillaries and arteries inside our muscles which expand rapidly due to the demand for more blood that is brought on by exercise. When fit, these capillaries remain open allowing maximum blood passage, but when unfit and inactive they tend to collapse, allowing only minimal blood passage (which is sufficient for a sedentary person however). The rapid expansion of these vessels causes adjacent nerves to send impulses back to the brain which are interpreted as an itch.
Other Blog:
Anyway, halfway through the walk my legs began to itch. Not just a little bug bite itch, but insane, maddening itching - mostly on the fronts of my upper legs and my butt cheeks. I had to stop every few feet to scratch - I didn't even care that I was drawing blood with my nails - I had to scratch. I couldn't scratch my butt cheeks though my jean shorts so I smacked my butt. I looked crazy, walking down the street, stopping every few feet to bend down and scratch my legs and then spank myself.Worse still, this wasn't the first time this has happened. It happens often when I go walking at a brisk pace for a good amount of time.Well, I decided to look it up on the Internet, not expecting to find anything. I'm not the only one. It's called..... Itchy Leg Syndrome. (Very technical you see.)I found several articles, among them, one from Prevention magazine which states:
Believe it or not, itchy legs is a common complaint, particularly among new walkers. Some experts believe that it may be due to poor circulation. If sluggish blood flow is to blame, the itching should subside as your body gets acclimated to your new activity.Another site explained:
It usually occurs during exercise performed after a long period of inactivity. The itching is not on the skin, it's inside the actual limbs. There are millions of tiny capillaries and arteries inside our muscles which expand rapidly due to the demand for more blood that is brought on by exercise. When fit, these capillaries remain open allowing maximum blood passage, but when unfit and inactive they tend to collapse, allowing only minimal blood passage (which is sufficient for a sedentary person however). The rapid expansion of these vessels causes adjacent nerves to send impulses back to the brain which are interpreted as an itch.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Friday, January 26, 2007
I think this month's First Presidency message is profound. For those who are interested:
http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,2043-1-3945-1,00.html
http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,2043-1-3945-1,00.html
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
2007 get to know you email.
1. What time did you get up this morning? 6:35
2. Diamonds or Pearls? Diamonds
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Children of Men.
4. What is your favorite TV show? By far the Office – I am so into Jim and Pam they have become real to me. After that Heroes.
5. What did you have for breakfast? Yogurt – I am still hungry
6. What is your middle name? Carolyn but now it’s legally my maiden name
7. What is your favorite cuisine? Chinese
8. What food do you dislike? Nothing unfortunately, well maybe spicy food and fruitcake.
9. Your favorite chip? KC masterpiece Barbecue
10. What is your favorite CD at the moment? Robert Earl Keen as usual and Wicked
11. What kind of car do you drive? Toyota minivan and a Chevy minivan on its last leg, literally – so soon I’ll be driving nothing, cept when Kyle is home.
12. Favorite Sandwich? Ok, nothing healthy about this one – honey ham on gummy white bread with crushed up potato chips (see number nine) – and a close second is PB & Honey – that can be on wheat
13. What characteristics do you despise? Snobbiness and overprotective germ-a-phobes, usually these come together.
14. What are your favorite clothes? Long skirts and jeans (no not at the same time) oh and my “jesus-walkers” aka knock off Birkenstock sandals.
15. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation? Not so much where but who – my dream is a vacation home that Kyle and I own – a comfy cottage with room for lots of grandkids near a lake with woods and a cool porch/deck with a fire pit. An outdoor table with limitless watermelon and a clothesline for wet swimsuits. The walls decorated with only books and family pictures, I could go on and on…
16. What color are your eyes? Blue
17. Favorite brand of clothing? Is thrift store a brand?
18. Where would you want to retire? See number 15.
19. Favorite time of day? Afternoon
20. Where were you born? Metairie, LA (New Orleans)
21. What is your favorite sport to watch? I actually like stupid stuff – Like strongman competitions and the lumberjack contests – I am not really a sports person at all – but I have been known to get into football with Kyle.
22. Who do you think will not send this back? n/a
23. Person you expect to send it back first? n/a
24. Pepsi or Coke? COKE
25. Cats or Dogs? dogs
26. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Night owl
27. Pedicure or manicure? Pedicure, now please!
28. Do you prefer funny or mushy cards? The funnier the better – but mushy has its place sometimes.
29. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with everyone? Nope!
30. What did you want to be when you were little? A cash register lady!!! – My Me-Maw used to let me take every single thing out of her pantry and “scan” them all at my store.
31. What do you have in your trunk right now? An umbrella stroller, a little potty for the kids – hopefully I’ll never need it, and jumper cables.
32. What is your best childhood memory? Talking late with meg, Saturday movies with mom, camping with dad, pranks on Tommy, summers at the lake, Christmas time, etc, etc, etc – I had a great childhood.
33. What are all the different jobs you have had in your life? Babysitting, Kings dominion (Grizzly Roller coaster, Scooby Doo roller coaster, and janitor – I actually like the last one the most – more freedom never just stuck at one post for hours on end), Chinese restaurant, Lease agent at apartment complex (only job I was fired), Occupational therapist at hospital, rehab center, then home health, and last but best of all: MOM!
34. What is your favorite Holiday? Christmas
35. What is your favorite dessert? I love them all but if I had to pick it would be a classic, warm brownie with vanilla ice cream.
36. Favorite Getaway? Hot, hot bath!
37. Ever been to Africa? Nope – It’s fascinating but I don’t know if I ever want to – unless Kyle and I go on a mission there during Retirement. – but I don’t think the church sends old people there?
38. Glasses or Contacts? Both
39. Ever been toilet papering? Yep – did the wrong house once
40. Been in a car accident? Yep – as baby, right mom? and we hit a deer once
41. Favorite day of the week? Saturday, my man is home
42. Favorite restaurant? Bottoms-up Pizza in Richmond – Geez I miss that place.
43. Favorite flower? White rose
44. Favorite movie? There is my ever evolving top ten – The Graduate, Say Anything, She’s having a baby, The Color Purple, Garden State, Shawshank Redemption, Urban Cowboy, Fargo, Narnia, Sixteen Candles. new category: movies I absolutely HATE: The Notebook (an abomination of book to movie), Boys on the side, and Last Kiss, and 99% of action movies.
Ask me tomorrow and it will be different.
45. Favorite Past time? Reading
46. Favorite ice cream? Pineapple Coconut -Hagen daz’s (how the heck do you spell that)
47. Favorite fast food restaurant? Wendys or Taco Bell
48. How many times did you fail your drivers test? 0
49. From whom did you get your last email? Everydaycheapskate newsletter
50. Sandals or tennis shoes? Sandals
51. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Wouldn’t do that – the only place I would max a credit card would be the hospital for my kids. But I always spend too much at IKEA
52. If the speed limit is 60 what is the fastest you will drive? 65 unless I am late then just behind the fastest car.
53. What is your bedtime? 11ish
54. Whose response to this are you most curious about? Everyone’s
55. Last person you went to dinner with? Kyle and I went to Outback with our gift card from Nana – thanks!
56. What are you listening to right now? Sesame Street – I have the exact same answer as Hallie who sent this to me – I swear it’s on in the background, girls are watching it.
57. What is your favorite color? White then navy
58. How many tattoos do you have? One– It’s awful – I am leaving it exactly as it is – a horrendous warning when the kids think they want one someday.
59. How many people are you sending this Email to? – my blog friends
60. What time did you finish this email? 11:15 am
2. Diamonds or Pearls? Diamonds
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Children of Men.
4. What is your favorite TV show? By far the Office – I am so into Jim and Pam they have become real to me. After that Heroes.
5. What did you have for breakfast? Yogurt – I am still hungry
6. What is your middle name? Carolyn but now it’s legally my maiden name
7. What is your favorite cuisine? Chinese
8. What food do you dislike? Nothing unfortunately, well maybe spicy food and fruitcake.
9. Your favorite chip? KC masterpiece Barbecue
10. What is your favorite CD at the moment? Robert Earl Keen as usual and Wicked
11. What kind of car do you drive? Toyota minivan and a Chevy minivan on its last leg, literally – so soon I’ll be driving nothing, cept when Kyle is home.
12. Favorite Sandwich? Ok, nothing healthy about this one – honey ham on gummy white bread with crushed up potato chips (see number nine) – and a close second is PB & Honey – that can be on wheat
13. What characteristics do you despise? Snobbiness and overprotective germ-a-phobes, usually these come together.
14. What are your favorite clothes? Long skirts and jeans (no not at the same time) oh and my “jesus-walkers” aka knock off Birkenstock sandals.
15. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation? Not so much where but who – my dream is a vacation home that Kyle and I own – a comfy cottage with room for lots of grandkids near a lake with woods and a cool porch/deck with a fire pit. An outdoor table with limitless watermelon and a clothesline for wet swimsuits. The walls decorated with only books and family pictures, I could go on and on…
16. What color are your eyes? Blue
17. Favorite brand of clothing? Is thrift store a brand?
18. Where would you want to retire? See number 15.
19. Favorite time of day? Afternoon
20. Where were you born? Metairie, LA (New Orleans)
21. What is your favorite sport to watch? I actually like stupid stuff – Like strongman competitions and the lumberjack contests – I am not really a sports person at all – but I have been known to get into football with Kyle.
22. Who do you think will not send this back? n/a
23. Person you expect to send it back first? n/a
24. Pepsi or Coke? COKE
25. Cats or Dogs? dogs
26. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Night owl
27. Pedicure or manicure? Pedicure, now please!
28. Do you prefer funny or mushy cards? The funnier the better – but mushy has its place sometimes.
29. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with everyone? Nope!
30. What did you want to be when you were little? A cash register lady!!! – My Me-Maw used to let me take every single thing out of her pantry and “scan” them all at my store.
31. What do you have in your trunk right now? An umbrella stroller, a little potty for the kids – hopefully I’ll never need it, and jumper cables.
32. What is your best childhood memory? Talking late with meg, Saturday movies with mom, camping with dad, pranks on Tommy, summers at the lake, Christmas time, etc, etc, etc – I had a great childhood.
33. What are all the different jobs you have had in your life? Babysitting, Kings dominion (Grizzly Roller coaster, Scooby Doo roller coaster, and janitor – I actually like the last one the most – more freedom never just stuck at one post for hours on end), Chinese restaurant, Lease agent at apartment complex (only job I was fired), Occupational therapist at hospital, rehab center, then home health, and last but best of all: MOM!
34. What is your favorite Holiday? Christmas
35. What is your favorite dessert? I love them all but if I had to pick it would be a classic, warm brownie with vanilla ice cream.
36. Favorite Getaway? Hot, hot bath!
37. Ever been to Africa? Nope – It’s fascinating but I don’t know if I ever want to – unless Kyle and I go on a mission there during Retirement. – but I don’t think the church sends old people there?
38. Glasses or Contacts? Both
39. Ever been toilet papering? Yep – did the wrong house once
40. Been in a car accident? Yep – as baby, right mom? and we hit a deer once
41. Favorite day of the week? Saturday, my man is home
42. Favorite restaurant? Bottoms-up Pizza in Richmond – Geez I miss that place.
43. Favorite flower? White rose
44. Favorite movie? There is my ever evolving top ten – The Graduate, Say Anything, She’s having a baby, The Color Purple, Garden State, Shawshank Redemption, Urban Cowboy, Fargo, Narnia, Sixteen Candles. new category: movies I absolutely HATE: The Notebook (an abomination of book to movie), Boys on the side, and Last Kiss, and 99% of action movies.
Ask me tomorrow and it will be different.
45. Favorite Past time? Reading
46. Favorite ice cream? Pineapple Coconut -Hagen daz’s (how the heck do you spell that)
47. Favorite fast food restaurant? Wendys or Taco Bell
48. How many times did you fail your drivers test? 0
49. From whom did you get your last email? Everydaycheapskate newsletter
50. Sandals or tennis shoes? Sandals
51. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Wouldn’t do that – the only place I would max a credit card would be the hospital for my kids. But I always spend too much at IKEA
52. If the speed limit is 60 what is the fastest you will drive? 65 unless I am late then just behind the fastest car.
53. What is your bedtime? 11ish
54. Whose response to this are you most curious about? Everyone’s
55. Last person you went to dinner with? Kyle and I went to Outback with our gift card from Nana – thanks!
56. What are you listening to right now? Sesame Street – I have the exact same answer as Hallie who sent this to me – I swear it’s on in the background, girls are watching it.
57. What is your favorite color? White then navy
58. How many tattoos do you have? One– It’s awful – I am leaving it exactly as it is – a horrendous warning when the kids think they want one someday.
59. How many people are you sending this Email to? – my blog friends
60. What time did you finish this email? 11:15 am
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Ok I am almost done...
Last post was our new "working" tips this is the "Thinking" side to our game:
The mentality of saving money -
1. How can I live without "it"
2. How can I get "it" cheaper
3. How can I make "it" last longer
4. What am I saving for - you have to have a goal - or the little things (that cost money) become your joy. Our goals - so you don't think I am crazy about cloth diapers and just generally losing my mind:)
The mentality of saving money -
1. How can I live without "it"
2. How can I get "it" cheaper
3. How can I make "it" last longer
4. What am I saving for - you have to have a goal - or the little things (that cost money) become your joy. Our goals - so you don't think I am crazy about cloth diapers and just generally losing my mind:)
- Pay off our last credit card and never touch it again
- I want to be able to continue stay home with the kids
- We don't have an emergency fund - unless you count the available balance on said credit card - that can't be a good thing!
- MORE VACATIONS AND TRIPS BACK TO VIRGINIA - again without use of said credit card.
Come up with your own and you'll be waiting for the flyers to come in the mail on Wednesday too.
ok I'm done.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Favorite money savers thus far...
Price book - I thought I already had this concept in the bag - but boy was I wrong. I figured I kept track of what I spend on regular purchases - but I actually just "ballparked" and was missing the boat. Since I became a born again tightwad I put a notebook in my purse and wrote everything down. It is amazing the variations in grocery prices - can you imagine any other product changing price 50-300% weekly - well besides gas. Discoveries so far: Bulk is not always cheaper, coupons are not always the best, and stores change prices on you all the time! - Don't assume anything price wise. Just by writing prices down my eyes have been totally opened. This has by far saved us the most money - That combined with flyers...
Flyers - I have been using these for a while, but now that I have been doing the price book - I KNOW when something is the cheapest I have seen in a long time and I can stock up with confidence.
P.S. Store brands still rule!!!
Cooking from scratch - I am new to this but so far I am liking it. I am making bread, "refrigerator dough" e.g. a universal dough that makes just about any roll that I previously bought from the dough boy. quiche, apple crisp, apple pie (yes with homemade pie crust), brownies, soup, white sauce, cheese sauce... the list goes on.
Laundry - reusing towels, hanging some things to dry, and the new biggie - we are on day five of cloth diapers for Maiya - yes I know you are cringing - but they are much better than I would have ever thought. This is the brand we bought slightly used off ebay - and really like - http://www.kushies.com/Cataloque/diapers/diapers_ultra.html
I wish I could go back in time and use them on Benjamin and Ella. We are still using disposable for out & about and night - but that means only one or two a day. And no its not gross - I am doing a dry pail (with lid), washing every other day - first rinse in cold water then wash in hot. The other reason besides saving money (like you need another reason) was I hear cloth diapers aid potty training - I'll keep you posted on that - that will be a while.
I am so excited to think of grocery shopping without $20 of diapers on the list :) - and I can use them again when number four rolls along.
Thrift stores - I have always done this - I think the only new clothes the kids wear are gifts. But my new strategy is to keep a "need sheet" in my price book - the sizes that I need exactly and shoes sizes - and notes about what I need besides kid clothes - so I don't get "distracted" on stuff we don't need.
Thermostat - We own sweaters for a reason - its set at 68 - and will be at 80 come this summer:) We "heart" our fireplace even more.
The only dissident so far is Meg - she wants "real" cereal. But like Ella said "I hope its on sale - or I can't get it"
Flyers - I have been using these for a while, but now that I have been doing the price book - I KNOW when something is the cheapest I have seen in a long time and I can stock up with confidence.
P.S. Store brands still rule!!!
Cooking from scratch - I am new to this but so far I am liking it. I am making bread, "refrigerator dough" e.g. a universal dough that makes just about any roll that I previously bought from the dough boy. quiche, apple crisp, apple pie (yes with homemade pie crust), brownies, soup, white sauce, cheese sauce... the list goes on.
Laundry - reusing towels, hanging some things to dry, and the new biggie - we are on day five of cloth diapers for Maiya - yes I know you are cringing - but they are much better than I would have ever thought. This is the brand we bought slightly used off ebay - and really like - http://www.kushies.com/Cataloque/diapers/diapers_ultra.html
I wish I could go back in time and use them on Benjamin and Ella. We are still using disposable for out & about and night - but that means only one or two a day. And no its not gross - I am doing a dry pail (with lid), washing every other day - first rinse in cold water then wash in hot. The other reason besides saving money (like you need another reason) was I hear cloth diapers aid potty training - I'll keep you posted on that - that will be a while.
I am so excited to think of grocery shopping without $20 of diapers on the list :) - and I can use them again when number four rolls along.
Thrift stores - I have always done this - I think the only new clothes the kids wear are gifts. But my new strategy is to keep a "need sheet" in my price book - the sizes that I need exactly and shoes sizes - and notes about what I need besides kid clothes - so I don't get "distracted" on stuff we don't need.
Thermostat - We own sweaters for a reason - its set at 68 - and will be at 80 come this summer:) We "heart" our fireplace even more.
The only dissident so far is Meg - she wants "real" cereal. But like Ella said "I hope its on sale - or I can't get it"
"Frugality without creativity is deprivation"
Amy Dacyczyn
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Overheard conversation
Benjamin: "I ate a poisonous mushroom once."
TJ: "Did you die?"
Me: "What are you talking about Benjamin - no you haven't"
Benjamin: "It was a long time ago ... in the future"
Me: "Oh yeah, where did you get it?"
Benjamin: "TJ gave it to me"
TJ - "I wasn't even born in that century ... hmmm... well maybe I was 1 year old"
Remember to picture their faces absolutely serious - there is no line between reality and fiction in their world.
TJ: "Did you die?"
Me: "What are you talking about Benjamin - no you haven't"
Benjamin: "It was a long time ago ... in the future"
Me: "Oh yeah, where did you get it?"
Benjamin: "TJ gave it to me"
TJ - "I wasn't even born in that century ... hmmm... well maybe I was 1 year old"
Remember to picture their faces absolutely serious - there is no line between reality and fiction in their world.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Missing a time I never even knew...
So I recently read that almost all mammals sleep 10 hours a day. That is except for humans. Well we used to - until the invention of the light bulb - now we average 6. People wonder what is wrong with our society, could it be lack of sleep? This information and my new tightwadding skills which lean heavily on cooking from scratch got me to thinking about the "old days". Are the conveniences of modern living actually convenient? I will bullet my thoughts since I have the tendency to bounce around from one idea to the next.
- Children - Land: I wish I could send my kids outside without feeling like I have to hover over them. I offer the backyard frequently but it doesn't hold the interest like the front yard. Moms are made to feel guilty either way - kids shouldn't' sit plopped in front of the TV and they can't be unsupervised outside. ARRRGGGHHH
- Chores - not that I want more work - so maybe this should be under the children category. Sometimes I feel like I make up jobs for the kids to do to teach responsibility. I can't imagine this being necessary on a farm - Everyone has something to do on a farm - or you don't eat - now that is what I call motivation. There were no self-help books in the 1800's people were too busy.
- Food before high fructose corn syrup - enough said. (No posts about dieting please - I am well aware of what to avoid - but if you pay attention that stuff is everywhere)
- I imagine the world a little dirtier back in the day - and weird as it may seem I view that as a positive. People worked a lot outside, had animals, at the very least heated their home with a furnace and or woodstove. e.g. more dirt. I am a little tired of the germ-a-phobe moms - you know exactly the kind I mean too. I am the only one here I know who has a dog, a cat, burns real wood in my fireplace, let my kids play in the dirt, and is a full supporter of the five second rule.
- Are allergies a new thing? Probably not and full apologies ahead of time to those with legitimate ones. I am tired of the myriad of weird allergies. Nursery here is bizarre with the things kids can't have. I mean has anyone ever really needed an epi-pen for an animal cracker? I know things like nuts are serious - but it seems like some moms forget that kids just get sick a lot. Their kids barf once and they can no longer have what they happened to have for dinner. Then you got one mom making three different dinners because one kid can't "handle" gluten and one is allergic to eggs, or food coloring, or citrus or water or air sorry I could go on...
There are some things I wouldn't want to give up: air conditioning, washing machines, indoor plumbing, and modern hospitals. Benjamin's ginormous cranium would have killed one or both of us during childbirth.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Rough Day
Strike one: Benjamin came home yesterday with his feelings hurt. His little buddy TJ wouldn't sit with him on the bus because he has a "new" friend. Then the kid that did sit with him got up and sat with someone halfway through the trip. He was so sad. I felt so bad - It wasn't something I could kiss and make better.
Strike two: There was a not so stellar report card in his backpack.
Strike three: I went to play something on my CD player and discovered it was not working. With a little investigating I found out Benjamin was using his hands to skip to the next CD and not the button. I was so mad - because I had told him not to do that twice. He of course got in trouble and through his tears says. "I have had a really rough day mom" Amen to that little man.
Maiya lightened the air with a little artwork:
Monday, January 01, 2007
Happy New Year
I know, I know I have not been blogging. I have been enjoying Kyle being home, and all of us have been enjoying all of our Christmas gifts. The trampoline only took 8 hours to complete. (note sarcastic tone in "only")
Kyle goes to work tomorrow, Benjamin goes back to school next week. I will try to get back to blogging then. Oh I am also totally immersed in my new book from my mom - The tightwad gazette. I am in the midst of complete conversion to whole new ways to save money. I HIGHLY recommend the book to everyone - its awesome. Speaking of which I only have one chapter left - I'll be back...
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